Whats the humdrum about Chaps? Adventures into Victorian Science Fiction and Steampunk with ramblings about Aeronefs, Dirigibles, Land Ironclads, Anarchists, Dinosaur Hunting, Terranefs, Aquanefs, Mad Scientists, and all manner of electric contraptions and steam conveyances. It may not make sense, but there will be claret and a nice cheese board at the end. Tally-Ho and "Vôtre dans une sauce au vin blanc!"

Sunday, 26 April 2015

Percival Lowell's Globe of Mars

Percival Lowell was an American businessman and astronomer who founded an observatory in Arizona in the late 19th century. He was convinced of the existence of the Martian canals and studied the Red Planet extensively to chart their positions.

I was thrilled this week to find Percival Lowell's globe of Mars at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington DC. A great pity they dont sell reproductions in the gift shop!

In an interesting post script, Lowell was also one of those who predicted the stance of a planet past Neptune and his observatory went on to prove the existence of Pluto after his death:

The Society of Fantasy and Science Fiction Wargamers

A fine bunch of Chaps indeed!

Chaps who have dropped in for a cigar & a glass since 14Aug07

Notes regarding images: These are not all my images. In addition to my own pics, I am using various images from around the web, mostly from public sources or private sources used with permission. I have tried to include only images under public domain, creative commons, or fair use. If I have inadvertently violated any copyrights, please inform me and I will remove your images(s) if it an infringement.